A patient, aged 77 years, has Alzheimer's disease. She goes to day care during the week and is otherwise cared for by her daughter and grandchildren. The nurse at the day care center noticed multiple bruises on the patient's palms, elbows, and buttocks. When the daughter arrived to pick her up, the nurse discussed her observations. The daughter became defensive and said that her mother was very difficult to manage. She stated, "My mother is not my mother anymore. She is confused, and she wanders all night. We have to watch her constantly. Last night I fell asleep, and she fell down the stairs. Sometimes she cannot recognize me and accuses me of trying to poison her. I can't concentrate at work, and it's wrecking the family. Sometimes I just cannot bear it."Â Which nursing diagnosis would be most important to address for this family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis to address in this scenario is D: Caregiver role strain related to increased care needs. This is the most important as it focuses on the daughter's challenges and emotional burden due to her mother's condition. The daughter's statements reveal feelings of overwhelm, guilt, and exhaustion, which are key indicators of caregiver role strain. By addressing this nursing diagnosis, the healthcare team can provide support and resources to help the daughter cope with the demands of caring for her mother.
Choice A (Knowledge deficit pertaining to dementia) is not the most important in this situation as the daughter's issue is not lack of knowledge but rather emotional stress. Choice B (Grieving related to mother's deterioration) is not the priority as addressing the daughter's emotional strain is more urgent than addressing grief. Choice C (Risk for injury related to cognitive impairment) is also important but not as immediate as addressing the caregiver's emotional well-being.